Puppy herding me - any answers?
So far we've had good luck with her behavior, as most of it is usual puppy behavior and both my husband and I have had a lot of puppies over the years. But the last couple of days, Winnie (short for Duchess Winifred) has been trying to "herd me." I'll be walking through the room, or working in the kitchen moving around, and she will come to me, jump, try to nip, then crouch and bark! Then she will repeat it again any time I move. It's like a "cutting action" that I've seen other dogs do. I've taken to turning my back to her and then she usually stops. But does anyone out there have any more tips? How long will she keep doing this? I am very patient with her and looking for good ideas. Oh, one more question: We have a neck collar on her right now (already had to adjust the size!), but she quickly figured out when going outside that if she would lie down and roll over, she could grab the leash in her mouth - and walk us rather than us walking her. We've tried holding the leash straight up - but she will dance along and then just fall down, roll over fast and grab that leash! So, I am thinking of putting her in an expandable harness (knowing she will outgrow it and I'll have to re-invest in new ones). What do you think about a harness for puppies? Thanks. |
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| I've never had a puppy, so I'll let others wade in to help, but I wanted to say...
Welcome to the community! |
| you could try yelping when she bites at your heels - that may stop it. I truly don't remember either of my guys doing this to us, but i know many others will weigh in with experience.
I always use a martingale collar on my OES - they can all pull out of a regular buckle collar. walking on a leash just takes practice. Don't let her mouth the leash, that can make it a longer job. my girl came leash trained at 8 weeks (thank you Kathi!) and my boy learned quickly what was acceptable - probably watching her. |
Playing but her herding instincts are coming through, welcome to the world of sheepie owners  |
Thank you everyone. I may try that kind of collar. And after reading about the yelping, I did that this a.m. and she backed right off. But am sure I'll need to keep it up  .
With the collar that we have, an adjustable, snap lock with a ring for the leash - the problem seems to be the heavy latch on the leash. She's figured out that "drop and roll" will release some of the tension on the leash, the weight of the latch will carry the leash down to her. She'll immediately grab it in her mouth, and then prance off down the yard leading us to wherever it is SHE wants to go. I tried carrying a chew toy to entice her to drop the leash. That worked once, but not since. She really likes walking US! LOL The world of sheepies! Devils or angels?!? Last night we took her to MIL to socialize her with Mom's dog - a mixed breed about beagle size. Mom was so worried that her dog would "hurt" "the little puppy" Winnie, as she's twice Winnie's size. HA. Within minutes, Winnie was herding the poor harrassed dog and wouldn't give the poor mutt a minute's peace! Thanks everyone. Am confident I'll be seeking MORE advice - every day is different with this one! |
| Hi, And WELCOME My puppy who will be who will be 11 wks. tomorrow, did this while leash training. I use a small choke collar, and when he would grab up at the leash I would take it out of his mouth and tell him the "leave it" command. We did this for 2 days and finally he got it. Now he loves to go on the leash for walks,. We belong to an obedience club, and by constant repition with the exercises, and positive reinforcement our dog training has been fun for the dogs and for us. I t just takes alot of patience, treats and praise |
| Thanks. I'll try that when she grabs the leash. Either that, or I will encourage the behavior and get a spot on Letterman's pet tricks with "Drop and Roll - dog walks woman." '-)
On the nipping and biting, I tried the yelps several times with turning away from her, but then she went after the backs of my legs. Also tried subbing her nipping with chewing a toy, but then she thought nipping would mean she'd get a toy. So, today, every time she did it, I ignored her. Completely. No reaction, even though some of those nips stung! That seems to help, as tonight she is merely nudging me with her nose. We've signed up for training (training us, or the pup?) starting in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned. Thanks everyone! More ideas and suggestions always welcome! |
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